Wedding dress guide
Understanding your body shape/figure is the first step towards looking for the perfect wedding dress. Determining your shape, colouring and the different dress shapes will help identify the ideal style of dress for you.
Determine your Figure type
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Hourglass Figure
You have curves in the right places, a full chest, full hips and a defined waistline. Most dress styles look great on an hourglass figure.
Do
Silhouette: A line
Neckline: Strapless, Off-the-shoulder, Sweetheart
Don't
Silhouette: Empire, Mermaid
View Example
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Full Figure
You have a large chest, large hips and an undefined waistline.
Do
Silhouette: Basque Waistline, A-line, Ball Gown
Neckline: V-neck, straight line, slightly sweetheart
Don't
Silhouette: Mermaid
Neckline: Off-the-Shoulder, Spaghetti Straps
View Example
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Pear Shape
You are narrow on top and heavy below. With this shape, the goal should be to find a dress that brings balance to the top half and bottom half.
Do
Silhouette: A-line, Ball Gown
Neckline: Strapless, V-Neck
A-line skirt coupled with a strapless neckline looks great.
Don't
Silhouette: Sheath, Mermaid
Neckline: V-Neck
View Example
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Thin (Tall or Short)
You are characterized by skinny frame with little or no curves.
Do
Silhouette: Mermaid, A-line, Ball Gown (if you are tall)
Neckline: V-Neck, Sweetheart, Halter (if you are tall)
Don't
Neckline:, Off-the-Shoulder, V-Neck
View Example
Determine your dress shape
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A-Line
This shape features a flared out skirt from the waist down to your feet, creating an "A" shape. The design consists of vertical seams running from the waist or shoulders down to the bottom of the skirt.
Recommended for: petite, full-figured, short waist
Not recommended for: thick waist, hourglass
View Example
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Basque Waist
This style is characterized by a low waistline that is generally V or U-shaped, beginning several inches below the waist.
Recommended for: taller brides, large hips, hourglass and pear shape figures
Not recommended for: petite brides
View Example
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Ball Gown
The most traditional and formal of all shapes. This style of skirt is best suited for the bride in search of a classic and elegant look. The "ball gown" is characterized by a fitted bodice and a waistline that leads to a full skirt..
Recommended for: Thin figure, Full Figure, Med - Tall Heights, pear shaped figure
Not recommended for: petite figure
View Example
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Mermaid
This style contours to your body (similar to the sheath style), but flares out at the bottom. It has a distinctive diagonal cut on the skirt. This dress is ideal for a bride wanting to accentuate her curvaceous figure.
Recommended for: hourglass figure, boyish figure
Not recommended for: full figure
View Example
Determine your dress colour
Off white. Stark white. Bright white. Choosing a shade of white for your wedding gown has become almost as difficult as choosing the gown itself. Here is everything you need to know to choose the right white.
The Shades
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Stark White
The brightest, crispest white you can find. This is the best for dark skin.
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Silk, Diamond, or Natural White
A shade off of stark white, though it looks pretty much the same in photos. "Eighty percent of the population looks best in a soft, diamond-white dress, which isn't as chalky as a white-white," explains dress designer Melissa Sweet. "When in doubt, buy diamond white."
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Ivory
Also referred to as "eggshell" or "candlelight." Some ivory dresses have yellow undertones, making them look creamy; some are just a "quiet" white.
The Selection
The key to finding your shade? Knowing your skin tone.
Fair skin: you'll look best in yellow-ivories and warmer natural colours. You should probably steer clear of stark white,
though -- it may wash you out.
Medium skin, with pink undertones: opt for creamier colours.
Medium skin, with yellow undertones: try diamond whites or champagne.
Dark skin: lucky you -- most shades of white will complement your skin. If you have yellow or olive undertones, though, stay away from yellow-ivory dresses. Try stark white.
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